Union Contract Expires but Talks Continue

News Articles07/01/2013

No Work Stoppage by Operators/Bus Service As Usual

Talks between AC Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192 are continuing—and buses are still rolling—even though no new labor agreement was forged before the old contract expired on Sunday midnight.

At least temporarily, representatives of both management and ATU have apparently agreed to disagree while continuing negotiations for a mutually acceptable labor resolution. Their actions have averted a walkout by bus operators and mechanics, delighting 174,000 daily bus travelers who would have been stranded throughout the East Bay.

“We are gratified that the talks are continuing and our operators and mechanics are showing up for work,’’ said AC Transit Board President Greg Harper. “We have great concern and respect for our ridership and this action by the ATU shows that the union does, too.”

For the past three months, Harper said, AC Transit management has been bargaining in good faith and will continue to do so by offering competitive salaries, amenable working conditions, and a willingness to consider reasonable ATU proposals.

Indeed, the agency is doing everything possible to resolve labor issues in a manner that is mutually palatable without impairing bus operations. It has proffered no plan that jeopardizes the health or safety of its riders or employees merely to reduce costs or to preserve bus service.

AC Transit will continue to give regular union bargaining updates and is happy to provide transit services while negotiating the final details of the labor agreement. The agency’s website, www.actransit.org, will continue to be the best source of official and accurate information about bus service and labor negotiations.